EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham has been blasted over a major new driveway update introduced earlier this month.
Andy Burnham has introduced new driveway changes this October (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham’s new driveway rule changes leave UK drivers paying a “tax premium” in a move blasted by experts as “unfair”. Mr Burnham has slashed VAT rates on domestic electricity fees, a move that is having a knock-on effect for electric car owners. Those topping up their EVs at home now pay 0% VAT to charge their cars, down from the previous 5% fee applied before the October 1 rule change. Previous analysis has suggested the move could save electric car owners as much as £40 per year.
However, savings are only available to those fortunate enough to have their own off-street parking space or driveway. EV owners without this luxury and who top-up their cars at public charging stations are still having 20% VAT fees.
The move has left campaigners to blast the Prime Minister for widening the so-called driveway divide. Speaking exclusively to The Express, John Lewis, CEO of EV plug experts, char.gy stressed that the new plans make an “unfair system even worse” as he called on Labour to cut costs at public bays.
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John said: “Cutting VAT on home electricity while leaving public charging at 20% would make an already unfair system even worse.
“Drivers with a driveway would get cheaper charging, while millions without one would be left paying a tax premium simply because they park on the street. If VAT comes down at home, it has to come down at the kerbside too.”
The car industry has been pushing for EV public VAT fees to be cut, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the AA among those previously calling for rates to be slashed.
Those topping up at public charging plugs will still pay 20% VAT (Image: Getty)
Previous data from the Government’s English Housing Survey (EHS) has found that as many as eight million households in England (32%) do not have access to their own off-street parking bay.
Last year, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, said that Labour now had the opportunity to “help make the case for EVs more compelling by cutting the costs of charging across the public network”.
Mr Lewis previously added: “Bringing VAT on public charging down to the same 0% rate now applied to domestic supply wouldn’t just be fair. It would send a clear signal that government wants electric vehicles to be a realistic option for the two in five UK households without off-street parking, not just for those who can afford a driveway and a wallbox.”
EXCLUSIVE: Andy Burnham has been blasted over a major new driveway update introduced earlier this month.
Andy Burnham has introduced new driveway changes this October (Image: Getty)
Andy Burnham’s new driveway rule changes leave UK drivers paying a “tax premium” in a move blasted by experts as “unfair”. Mr Burnham has slashed VAT rates on domestic electricity fees, a move that is having a knock-on effect for electric car owners. Those topping up their EVs at home now pay 0% VAT to charge their cars, down from the previous 5% fee applied before the October 1 rule change. Previous analysis has suggested the move could save electric car owners as much as £40 per year.
However, savings are only available to those fortunate enough to have their own off-street parking space or driveway. EV owners without this luxury and who top-up their cars at public charging stations are still having 20% VAT fees.
The move has left campaigners to blast the Prime Minister for widening the so-called driveway divide. Speaking exclusively to The Express, John Lewis, CEO of EV plug experts, char.gy stressed that the new plans make an “unfair system even worse” as he called on Labour to cut costs at public bays.
Get the latest politics news – straight from our team in Westminster and more
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John said: “Cutting VAT on home electricity while leaving public charging at 20% would make an already unfair system even worse.
“Drivers with a driveway would get cheaper charging, while millions without one would be left paying a tax premium simply because they park on the street. If VAT comes down at home, it has to come down at the kerbside too.”
The car industry has been pushing for EV public VAT fees to be cut, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the AA among those previously calling for rates to be slashed.
Those topping up at public charging plugs will still pay 20% VAT (Image: Getty)
Previous data from the Government’s English Housing Survey (EHS) has found that as many as eight million households in England (32%) do not have access to their own off-street parking bay.
Last year, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, said that Labour now had the opportunity to “help make the case for EVs more compelling by cutting the costs of charging across the public network”.
Mr Lewis previously added: “Bringing VAT on public charging down to the same 0% rate now applied to domestic supply wouldn’t just be fair. It would send a clear signal that government wants electric vehicles to be a realistic option for the two in five UK households without off-street parking, not just for those who can afford a driveway and a wallbox.”